Debutant Saqib Khan’s Seven-Wicket Haul Revives Pakistan Against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi Test

Rawalpindi, November 12, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Pakistan debutant pacer Saqib Khan produced a remarkable seven-wicket haul to turn the tide in the first Test against Sri Lanka, restricting the visitors to 446 all out after they had looked poised to build a substantial first-innings lead at the Rawalpindi Cricket Ground.

Saqib returned figures of 7-130 in 34 overs as Sri Lanka surrendered their advantage after resuming the fourth day at 404/4. Pakistan had declared their first innings at 434/9, leaving the visitors with a lead of just 12 runs.

Sri Lanka’s innings had been built around centuries from Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis. However, Saqib struck in the first over of the morning, dismissing De Silva for 167 to break a 249-run fifth-wicket partnership — Sri Lanka’s highest stand for that wicket against Pakistan in men’s Tests.

Mendis, who made 119, soon followed, caught behind off the debutant. Saqib then removed Sonal Dinusha for 20 before running through the lower order to complete his seven-wicket haul. Sri Lanka lost their final six wickets for just 42 runs.

Saqib’s figures are the fourth-best by a Pakistan bowler on Test debut in terms of runs conceded. Mohammad Zahid (7-66), Mohammad Nazir (7-99) and Abrar Ahmed (7-114) are the only Pakistan bowlers to have recorded better seven-wicket debut hauls.

Pakistan reached 57/1 in 21.2 overs in their second innings at stumps, extending their overall lead to 45 runs. Mohammad Taha was unbeaten on 24, while Asitha Fernando had taken the lone wicket. Play ended early because of bad light and subsequent rain.

With the final day’s play remaining, all three results remain possible. The match is part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship, in which Sri Lanka are seventh with a points percentage of 33.33, while Pakistan are ninth with 4.63.

Brief Scores: Pakistan 434/9 declared and 57/1 in 21.2 overs (Mohammad Taha 24 not out; Asitha Fernando 1-10) lead Sri Lanka 446 all out in 117.2 overs (Dhananjaya de Silva 167, Kusal Mendis 119; Saqib Khan 7-130) by 45 runs.